Aiding the visually impaired

DUBAI: Rashid Centre for the Disabled in Dubai has became the first facility in the UAE to be equipped with an indoor navigation technology for the visually impaired. The development is in the line with the bid to make Dubai a friendly city for people with special needs by 2021.

The Loud Step technology was innovated by Emirati company Bin Farooq PGE Innovations and installed at the centre in a ceremony held recently. The event was inaugurated by Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Acting Chairman of the Centre.“Loud Steps- blind navigation - application is a smart system that serves the community of the visually impaired, who include residents and visitors of to the UAE,” said Sheikh Juma “We are bringing together a significant amount of cross-sector technology experience. Our team offers the right expertise to help develop the products and services that are essential for growth in a highly competitive economy. We are creating and converting ideas into new technological innovative products and services,” said Ali Faisal Farooq, Founder and CEO of the company. For the visually impaired, Loud Steps is the only approved and acceptable solution globally by many associations of the visually impaired. “The technology enables the visually impaired to independently move around. It enables them circumvent social barriers,” said Maryam Othman, Director General of Rashid Centre for Disabled. The brain behind Loud Steps is Sarper Silaoglu, CEO of Boni and Hardik Soni, Co-founder and CTO of Bin Farooq PGE Innovations. “Reaching one’s desired destination is a considerable challenge for the visually impaired, particularly in a new indoor environment. Loud Steps enables physical spaces to interact with the people, using specially designed BFPGE’ network devices and wireless signal. It makes buildings smarter and connected,” said Soni.“It basically announces to the user, audibly or textually, where they are and where they can go depending on what lies ahead or behind or round the corner in almost a hand held way. Expo centres, airports, schools, malls,university campuses, large complicated buildings, among others, are the ideal places where we need Loud Steps,” said Bhavna Mangal, Co-Founder and CMO of Bin Farooq PGE Innovations.“The technology is specially made available to support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make Dubai the smartest city in the world and differently-abled friendly,” said by Umakant Rath, Co-Founder and Deputy CEO of Bin Farooq PGE Innovations.